FGI Provides you with the best possible opportunities to meet, mingle, network, learn and grow alongside other fashion professionals.
FGI is ideal for designers, retailers, manufacturers, graphic designers, consultants, buyers, fashion press, pr professionals. If your world is fashion then FGI is for you.
P. 0412 248 480
RD@FGI.ORG.AU
Designers learnt how to protect their intellectual property at Fashion Group International’s business seminar on the 10th of August. The seminar partnered with IP Australia, was based on the controversial issue of Fake Fashion, a $600 Billion business that is due to double within the next four years.
Tina Rigoli, FGI Regional Director introduced mediator, Eunika Janus from IP Australia and panellists of some of Australia’s most influential industry leaders. Panellist included; Rob Schonberger from Jets swimwear, Cate McKenzie head of Product from Pacific Brands, Jeremy Somers Designer from We Are Handsome, Lisa Egan Partner at Middletons, Hiedi Dyt Regional Director of Australia and New Zealand at WGSN and Lola Phillips CEO from Longina Phillips
The seminar was an eye opener for designers, retailer’s students and wholesalers creating awareness of the importance in protecting intellectual property and understanding where designers get their inspiration.
Eunika Janus opened the discussion with the panellists clarifying the fine line between copying a designer and being inspired by another designer.
Jeremy Somers, Designer from We Are Handsome states, “I believe nothing is original, that we combine pieces together to create something new. That is what the ‘new’ original idea is within our industry.”
Lisa Egan recommended for businesses to firstly protect their intellectual property by applying for trademark registration to protect a brand, logo or tag line prior to registering the designs to protect their visual appearance.
“When a designer knows which garments are doing well in the market, they can extend the protection for those items in the market. ”
Egan also explains a business should protect their copyright, she recommended keeping a detailed design file that included the dates when work was completed and the names of the people undertaking those tasks.”
Cate McKenzie explains it is extremely important for young designers to be educated on the fine line between copying and inspiration.
She says, “ if you copy another designer you are not a designer.”
To find out more on trademarks and the registration of your designs visit: www.ipaustralia.gov.au
For more information on upcoming events contact Tina Rigoli, Regional Director, rd@fgi.org.au or click here.
If you would like to be the first to know about FGI events join our mailing list.
FOLLOW US